The local government of Muntinlupa has started to distribute scholarship allowances in advance in light of the financial impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance 2020-087 for the early release of scholarship allowances to 71,000 Muntinlupa scholars covering the period of June to August.

Fresnedi said the city government recognizes that most of the students under the local scholarship program belong to daily wage earner-parents and the allowance will help their families cope and get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Muntinlupa Scholarship Program piloted the distribution of allowances at Sucat Elementary School – Zone 4 last April 9.

In a Facebook Post, MSP explained that while the early distribution of scholarship allowance has rolled-out, there might be some delays as the government also considers the safety of the beneficiaries in the process.

“The local government hopes to deliver the scholarship allowance to every scholar during this COVID-19 crisis situation, however we also put into consideration the safety of the public as beneficiaries will gather in distribution locations,” it said.

MSP is posting distribution schedules in its Facebook Page to ensure the number of beneficiaries per location adhere to the protocols and guidelines given by the Department of Health and the COVID-19 Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

The scholarship office advised claimants to strictly abide by the posted schedule (time, date and venue), observe social distancing, and wear masks in the distribution locations.

If they are unable to claim, scholars may still receive their allowance after the quarantine period by filing necessary requirements for re-processing.

Elementary and alternative learning system students in Muntinlupa receive an allowance of P4,000 per year. For junior high school students, the local government provides P5,000, while for senior high school students, P6,000 per year.

Further, State Universities and Colleges students, including beneficiaries of Continuing Assistance for Reintegrating Students Program, can receive a maximum incentive of up to P10,000 per semester depending on their academic performance.

As of April 19, the Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 117 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city with 17 deaths and 14 recovered cases. There are 76 “suspect” cases and 147 “probable” cases in Muntinlupa.